4 Hard Downs: Hockey Game, Interception Protocol and NFL Playoffs Dad Talk
I had a good weekend and now we are ready to rock and roll
This weekend was pretty dope. I took my kid to her first hockey game, more on that later, plus we had a big new friend hang.
We have new couple friends!!!
One guy is a Charlotte lifer, basically like me. The other played safety at Washington, which is what I did at UNC. We all went to the hockey game and then we ordered pizza and sat at the famous Felder Bar:
It was very cool. We all got along. 6 people, connecting while our kids destroyed my daughter’s tent that her grandpa got her for Christmas. Tent is going to be repaired so they can do a sleepover soon but they did a number on it.
I woke up early this morning, I am ready to go so let’s SPOT THE BALL!!!!
1st Down: Checkers Game Was A Blast
A non-rad dad move, forgot the ear protection. I was not alone on that one, but one of my new friends did bring it and I did feel bad for forgetting. However, my kid did adapt and conquer thanks to the Checkers only scoring two goals, so only two sirens (they don’t siren for the Toronto Marlies who beat them 5-2).
It was a school event and we had a huge contingent of her school, but also just my kid’s class. 6 kids from one kindergarten class all in one section hanging out and just climbing over seats and eating glizzies and popcorn. Parents all just looking out for every kid because we’re basically a full unit now.
And here is the other cool part…
I saw a guy that I met in 1999. He was one of my best friends through middle school, high school and college. When he interned in China, we used to Skype. Then you fall apart as I start my career in sports media, he moves to Austin for his MBA and then Jackson Hole for work and as he moved back to Charlotte, I was about to have a kid and then moved to Chicago.
Magically as I am bringing my kid her souvenirs he is right in front of me and I call his name and we just hug and are like “WOW” this is insane. We talked about our parents, our siblings and made sure we had contact info and we’re going to get together soon.
Amazing. 10 out of 10. No Notes.
2nd Down: NFL Playoffs With My Dad
I have not watched a football game with my dad since the Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl where Santonio Holmes scored that insane TD, thanks NBC!!
Growing up, we watched football every Saturday and Sunday together. Then I got to college and obviously, I wasn’t at home so we didn’t watch together. After college, outside of that Super Bowl, we weren’t together watching ball. And even that Super Bowl wasn’t just us because a few friends were over.
This Sunday night, kid is in bed, wife is downstairs, I called my dad after the insane chucking call for pass interference in the Chiefs game. Should not have been called and insane that it took them that long to figure out how to explain it.
We talked through the rest of the game. Have not done that since high school. It was amazing. Just a boy and his dad talking about what is happening on screen and going through decision making processes.
Our dynamic is different, I went from the learning from him to being the expert and him asking me things. However, the great thing is I still ask him stuff because he watches more NFL than I do.
Point is, watch some ball with your dad, if you can. Or your mom. Or your brother. Or your sister. Or your kid, my wife watched the early game with our kid while I was making a lasagna and talked about what was happening with her.
We are actually going to watch the LSU-South Carolina women’s game together on Thursday because of that phone call from Sunday. My dad. My brother. Me. We are going to watch this game at a bar at a spot that is central for us on a Thursday night.
Also shout out to women’s hoops bringing us together.
3rd Down: Was Dre Greenlaw Wrong?
No.
Yes.
But, no.
Got this as he went for the return:
He’s a linebacker. He does not get to touch the ball at all. Lucky to recover a fumble, and usually that’s on the ground. You make an interception and see a little daylight, you try to get your G off.
Is it smart? Nope.
Is it what happens? Absolutely.
I have been the guy who told teammates to stop and worked to actively guide them to the sideline. I have also been the guy who gets the ball and is basically rock hard for the endzone. My analogy: It is like sitting a chicken in front of a gator and asking them not to eat it wrong, it is like putting a chicken in a gator’s mouth and expecting them to not eat it.
If he housed that bad boy, he’s a hero. Fumble is bad. But he didn’t fumble. He protected the ball and stole some yards. Love it.
4th Down: Rooting For The Lions
My wife is from outside Detroit and is a Lions fan.
That is not why I am rooting for the Lions. I am rooting for the Lions because Ben Johnson is my college football teammate. He and I went head to head all spring when we were together, running with the 3s. He has worked his ass off to get to the offensive coordinator position in Detroit.
He is one of the most down to earth and focused dudes I’ve ever been around. When we were out there screwing around, he had a plan and knew where he wanted to be; and he is very close to getting there now. Panthers want to interview him. 6 years in Miami doing whatever was asked of him.
My man is ready.
LET’S GO LIONS!!!
Thanks for reading. Tell a friend. Tell your folks. I am going to get back to drawing this week. Play tracking should go back to the network game lengths tomorrow and we have some food stuff coming up because it is my wife’s birthday and I have a menu planned. Podcast later today.
Enjoy your Monday, I just wrapped this post listening to “The Ecstasy of Gold” so that’s how Monday at 11:35 does. I also think I’m going to become a score listener instead of song listener.
Cheers!!!!